With high school anglers casting their lines in the water all over Lake Dardanelle this week, finding an open hotel room in Russellville might be a tougher task than reeling in a big bass.

The Bass Federation (TBF) High School Fishing World Finals are bringing revenue into Russellville as approximately 130 fishing teams, along with their families. visit the Arkansas River Valley, and local businesses are seeing an influx of patrons.It is estimated that around 800 people are in Russellville for the tournament.

“We are extremely busy with the fishing tournament. We are a lot busier than normal,” Mike Patel at Days Inn in Russellville said. “The tournament definitely helps us.”

Other hotels are equally benefiting from the increased business.

Christie Graham, executive director of the Russellville Advertising and Promotion (A&P) Commission, said that economically, the High School Fishing World Finals is one of Russellville’s most important events. Business managers recognize the importance of the event and what it means for the local economy.

“[The fishing tournament] absolutely impacts the town and the hotels in town,” Chad Ahrens, general manager of Hampton Inn in Russellville, said, adding the hotel stays booked with business travel but a few people from the tournament are staying there.

The event is even creating revenue in surrounding areas.

Quality Inn in Clarksville said it has received some of the overflow from the event. The A&P Commission spent $45,000 for the tournament. Graham said to a lot of people, $45,000 is a lot of money, but it’s worth it when you look at the amount of revenue those people bring to the community.

“We see it as a good investment,” Graham said. “When we look at what events to bring here, we look at how many people it will bring in and how long they’re going to be here.”

Most of the people in town for the fishing tournament will be here for five to seven days. Graham said while the anglers will spend their time on the water, the people who came with them will spend their time and money in the area.

“It’s great city tax dollars and hotel tax dollars,” Graham said. “This is really something that should help the monies for July.”

Graham said the more events like this we can have in Russellville, the more city projects can be funded.